| |
The parable is a serious warning to us. In the present age, the kingdom of heaven includes those who are Christians and those who are not. At the end of this world, those who are not Christians will be removed and cast into the Lake of Fire. The mark of a real Christian is a life of faithfulness. The third slave was completely unfaithful - faithless.
Conclusion: It is easy to be confused here. While it is true that a Christian is one who does not work for his salvation but simply trusts in Jesus for the forgiveness of his/her sins, it is also true that one of the marks of a real Christian IS a desire to serve Jesus. WE WILL desire to obey His Word and fulfill the responsibilities God gives us. Paul desired to obey Him.
| |
. . . thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service . . . (NASB) 1 Tim. 1:12 |
It was the desire of other men such as Tychicus (Eph. 6:21), Epaphras (Col. 1:7), Onesimus (Col. 4:9), Silvanus (1 Pet. 5:12) and even our Lord (Heb. 3:6). The desire of their heart was obvious by their faithfulness. Faithfulness is one mark of a true Christian.
| |
BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH . . . (NASB) Heb. 10:38 |
We come to Jesus by faith and then live by faith. Do you desire to serve Jesus? If so, then faithfulness will be evident in your life. Are you faithful? |
|
